Latest news with #JohnnySexton
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Special coach' Lancaster can breathe new life into Connacht
Stuart Lancaster's appointment as Connacht boss is exactly the kind of statement of intent the club needed after a trying Galway-based club finished 13th in the United Rugby Championship, winning just six of their 18 games, and were unable to reach the last four of the Challenge Cup. But after Munster lured the highly-rated Clayton McMillan away from the Chiefs in New Zealand, Connacht have convinced Lancaster to return to Ireland in a head-turning addition to the IRFU's coaching network. It is indeed a serious coup. While Lancaster endured a difficult time as England boss, his reign ending after a dismal 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, he built a reputation as one of rugby's most astute coaches during a trophy-laden stint as Leinster senior with head coach Leo Cullen and building on the impressive body of work put together by Joe Schmidt before he took the Ireland job in 2013, Lancaster helped turn Leinster into one of the most exciting teams in Europe, with the great Johnny Sexton describing him as a "special coach" after the club's Champions Cup triumph in 2018. Speaking of Leinster, the other provinces have a long way to go before bridging the gap in Irish rugby, but Lancaster has already proved adept at developing players within the IRFU system. Under his watch, the likes of Finn Treacy (centre, 20), John Devine (centre, 21) and Harry West (fly-half, 22) - all of whom have just been promoted from the academy - could progress quickly. His pre-existing connections in Ireland may also help Connacht's ability to attract players to Galway, too, with Santiago Cordero and JJ Hanrahan among the players leaving the club. With Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard's recent recruitment as general manager, Lancaster will be able to focus on senior team matters. It may take time, but the 55-year-old Englishman unquestionably has the rugby IQ and tactical acumen to breathe new life into Connacht.
Irish Post
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Brendan Gleeson honoured for 'commitment to social justice'
BRENDAN GLEESON has been honoured in his hometown for his acting success and his commitment to 'social justice'. The Dubliner, who has starred in the likes of Braveheart, Michael Collins and the Harry Potter films, more recently won critical acclaim for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, for which he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. This week the star was one of seven people to receive an award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, which marked his 'outstanding achievements in acting and social justice'. Brendan Gleeson pictured with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice His fellow recipients included the groundbreaking athlete Rhasidat Adeleke, former Ireland rugby star Johnny Sexton and Fair City actor Bryan Murray and his partner Úna Crawford O'Brien, for their "contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia". Croatian twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were also recognised with awards marking their 'outstanding voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their dedication to helping the homeless in the city'. Johnny Sexton receives his award from Lord Mayor, Emma Blain Team Power of One received an award in recognition of their work raising awareness and funds for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre – CHI Crumlin in memory of Saoirse. And an award was given posthumously to Isobel Henderson 'in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the Girls' Brigade Ireland'. Ms Blain presented the awards at a ceremony held at Dublin's Mansion House. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' she said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. 'However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.'
Extra.ie
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Rejuvenated Carbery proving a big hit in France
Sean O'Brien made an interesting revelation recently. The Tullow native is fondly remembered as one of the best backrow forwards to ever represent his province and country, carving out an illustrious career with Leinster and Ireland before retiring in 2022 following a short stint with London Irish. O'Brien was on deck for many great days but it could have been very different because big-spending Toulon almost turned his head with a lucrative offer to move to the Top14 once upon a time. 'I remember years ago in 2013 myself and Jamie Heaslip actually went over to Toulon. It was actually funny because Toulon said they wanted two teams. They wanted one to compete in the Top 14 to win it and they wanted one to win Europe,' the former Leinster, Ireland and Lions flanker told the All About The Game podcast recently. Sean O'Brien in action for Leinster in 2013. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne 'So we went over and I had actually signed a pre-contract with them because at the time I was on an IRFU contract but they were a***ing around with me. I thought my value was more than what I was on so I wanted a better contract and Jamie was roughly the same. 'So the two of us landed over to Toulon for a weekend. So they [IRFU] thought it was obviously a bit of a ploy but I was actually genuinely impressed when I went over there. 'The following Tuesday, (Mourad) Boudjellal the owner was meant to fly on his private plane into Dublin and I was meant to meet him at the airport with my agent and sign the contract but the weather was so bad he couldn't fly. Mourad Boudjellal. Pic:'On the Wednesday my agent got a call off the union basically saying they're going to give you what you wanted because they got wind of it.' It was one of those sliding-doors moments. Brian O'Driscoll's brief flirtation with Biarritz is infamous. Not long ago, Tadhg Furlong was linked with a move to Bayonne, while Racing 92 were keen to secure Jack Conan's services earlier this season. Big-name Irish players being linked with a move to France is nothing new. A few have made the leap. Johnny Sexton, Ian Madigan and Simon Zebo, to name a few. Johnny Sexton playing for Racing Metro 92 in 2013. Pic:But how many would look back at that chapter of their careers as a highlight? In truth, Trevor Brennan remains the great Irish success story in France. When mighty Toulouse announced that the hard-nosed Leinster lock would be making the switch, there was no shortage of raised eyebrows. But Brennan became an icon at the club, helping them to numerous Heineken Cup and Top14 triumphs. He owned a bar in the town after retirements and his son, Joshua, is currently lining out alongside the likes of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack in the iconic black and red jersey. It's still early days in Joey Carbery's French journey, but there is a distinct feeling that the former Munster out-half could follow in Brennan's footsteps and thrive in his new surroundings. Trevor Brennan. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland When Bordeaux came calling last year, Carbery couldn't resist the lure of a new challenge. He was worn out — emotionally and physically — after so many injury-ravaged seasons at Thomond Park and when it became clear that he was no longer part of Andy Farrell's Ireland plans, a new adventure with an ambitious French heavyweight boasting a big budget and a stable of Test stars was too hard to resist. Yes, it meant closing the door on his international ambitions but it's beginning to look like a shrewd career move for Carbery. This week, the 29-year-old is preparing for a Champions Cup final in Cardiff with Bordeaux facing down Northampton at the Principality Stadium. Joey Carbery. Pic: Romain Perrocheau/AFP via Getty Images Carbery is set to be on bench duty again. His presence in the squad has seemingly lit a fire under Matthieu Jalibert, the talented but sometimes flaky France out-half who has taken his game to a new level in recent months. Carbery is playing second fiddle at Bordeaux but he has enjoyed plenty of exposure. He has played 17 games for his club this season, amassing almost 1,000 minutes on the pitch. The youthful swagger seems to have returned as well, exemplified by his shush to the Ravenhill crowd after landing a touchline conversion in a big pool win against Ulster earlier in the campaign. Carbery had been copping it from the home fans for much of the game but the former Munster man made his point. He is clearly enjoying life in the south of France, and why not? Playing in front of a giant pack with the sun on your back with Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Yoram Moefana and Maxime Lucu for company in the backs. And he has Noel McNamara, the former Ireland U20s coach and a familiar face from home, running the team's attack. What's not to like? Joey Carbery. Pic:Who knows what the future will hold for Carbery. He is contracted with Bordeaux until the end of next season and it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay in France or consider a return to Ireland to plot a late charge for inclusion in Farrell's plans before the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 'I'm really liking it,' he said recently. 'My wife and my son are getting on well and we're starting to get to grips with everything. The language is tough but we're slowly getting there. 'Bordeaux is a beautiful city and it's quite close to home so my wife and son can get home every now and again which is great… hopefully keep being involved, keep playing and see where we go.' For now, he will focus on creating some history with Bordeaux as the ambitious club target a first-ever Champions Cup title. If Carbery helps his new club achieve that goal, he will join a small and exclusive club of Irish players who have thrived in this part of the world.
Irish Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lowe says Sexton brings a wealth of knowledge and tour experience to the table
There were plenty of faces you couldn't miss as the Lions assembled for the first time, with London the venue of the initial meet-and-greet. David Nucifora was one – a penny for his thoughts on the week the IRFU scrapped the men's Sevens programme he invested so heavily in. Johnny Sexton was another. Less than a year into his coaching career he continues to hold Andy Farrell's trust to the extent he joins fellow Ireland assistants Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty on the Lions ticket. When announcing his squad earlier this month Farrell said that Sexton's role would be kicking and skills – akin to Neil Jenkins in times gone by. Yet we still haven't had much of a window into Sexton the coach, what he's like to work with. That was until James Lowe was asked about his former team-mate and, clearly based on his answer, good friend. Has Sexton the coach changed much from Sexton the player? READ MORE 'He's scary as anything still, he's so intense, man,' quipped Lowe. 'I've never met a man who's constantly so intense. It's funny cus [Manchester] United aren't doing too flash at the moment, he's United till he dies. Just sledge him about that.' On a more serious note Lowe agrees with his boss Farrell in terms of what Sexton brings to the table. 'He's a great lad with a wealth of knowledge, a few tours under his belt,' said the wing. Farrell himself has previously asked why wouldn't he lean on Sexton's experience when justifying the decision to pick someone with such little coaching experience. Thankfully Lowe went into more detail, offering a look at how Sexton operates on a day-to-day basis on the training paddock. Ireland's Johnny Sexton and James Lowe against South Africa at the World Cup in France in September 2023. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho 'When he was with Ireland he mainly worked with the 10s and the kickers,' he said. 'I would work in with him there. He's so harsh in how he tries to prepare you for a game, makes you understand the context of what's going to happen if you don't get things right. In terms of kicking, poor kicks can just feed backlines. 'Off the top of my head kicking a ball to [Blair] Kinghorn and Duhan [van der Merwe], it's not smart. You want to get that ball off, even Darcy Graham on the other side. He just puts things into context. 'I know he does a few bits goal-kicking with the 60-second timer. Sometimes he'll literally roll a ball 20, 30 metres, make the boys go and get the ball and put it on the tee. The clock's started. 'He's got an aura about him which I'm sure you've all experienced. It's not nice when he's screaming at you, you want to get on his good side.' The good-natured ribbing didn't stop there. Cue jokes about no one being surprised that Sexton couldn't stay away from the game for long, an initial part-time role with Ireland turning into a Lions gig and a full-time IRFU position within 18 months of retiring. Jamison Gibson-Park, Sexton's former halfback partner, quipped that we 'can't shake him'. As for Lowe, he also recalled the day he lined out against the Lions for the Maori All Blacks in 2017. The touring side won 32-10. 'They blew us off the park in terms of intensity, basics of the game, ferocity at the breakdown, scraps, any loose ball,' said Lowe, who recalls lining out alongside future Leinster team-mate Rieko Ioane in the Maori backfield. 'To be honest we were beaten off the park that day. It was an introduction into what it actually meant for the boys to play for the Lions. A level of intensity that was unmatched.'
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Really passionate' – Johnny Sexton details British & Irish Lions coaching role as rugby icon set for summer tour
IRELAND legend Johnny Sexton has revealed what his coaching role with the Lions will entail. Advertisement 2 British & Irish Lions Assistant coach Jonathan Sexton revealed his role after the announcement of the travelling squad 2 Andy Farrell confirmed his squad - with Mauro Itoje as his skipper for the tour The Sexton was a crucial player on both the 2013 and 2017 tours, before being controversially excluded from the 2021 squad by Warren Gatland. But Faz clearly see the And Sexton was clearly delighted with his place on the Farrell's staff as the 39-year-old detailed the finer elements of his role. Advertisement read more on rugby Sexton was speaking after the squad was confirmed at London's O2 Arena. He said: "Looking after the kicking side of the game. "Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing. "I'll be there. I've experienced a lot as a kicker, I've experienced a lot as a player. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union "Being able to pass on my experience to these players is something I'm really passionate about." Ireland players included in Andy Farrell's Lions squad: Jamison Gibson-Park Garry Ringrose Bundee Aki James Lowe Mack Hansen Dan Sheehan Josh van der Flier Jack Conan Tadhg Beirne Tadhg Furlong Andrew Porter Hugo Keenan Ronan Kelleher Joe McCarthy James Ryan British & Irish Lions 2025 Fixtures Inside dramatic rescue of traumatised caged lions from Ukraine – including moment they touched grass for the first time 20/06/2025 – The Lions v Argentina Location: Dublin Stadium: Aviva Stadium Kick-off: 7:00am (Local AU) / 8:00pm GMT (19/06) 28/06/2025 – Western Force v The Lions Location: Perth Stadium: Optus Stadium Kick-off: 5:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT Advertisement 02/07/2025 – Queensland Reds v The Lions Location: Brisbane Stadium: Suncorp Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 05/07/2025 – NSW Waratahs v The Lions Location: Sydney Stadium: Allianz Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 09/07/2025 – ACT Brumbies v The Lions Location: Canberra Stadium: GIO Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 12/07/2025 – Invitational Australia & New Zealand v The Lions Location: Adelaide Stadium: Adelaide Oval Kick-off: 7:15pm (Local AU) / 10:15am GMT Advertisement 19/07/2025 – Wallabies v The Lions (1st Test) Location: Brisbane Stadium: Suncorp Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 22/07/2025 – First Nations & Pasifika XV v The Lions Location: Melbourne Stadium: Marvel Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 26/07/2025 – Wallabies v The Lions (2nd Test) Location: Melbourne Stadium: MCG Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT 02/08/2025 – Wallabies v The Lions (3rd Test) Location: Sydney Stadium: Accor Stadium Kick-off: 7:45pm (Local AU) / 10:45am GMT Advertisement
